Bright Balikbayan Spending: An OFW’s Finance Guide for the Homecoming Season

MANILA, PH – October 2025 – Homecoming season is the time that every Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) looks forward to. It’s a chance to be with family and a time to celebrate all the hard work. However, the pressure to spend generously, especially with pasalubong and gifts, can quickly derail financial plans.

 

While the homecoming is a time of celebration, it’s also a moment to reassess financial priorities. The joy of reunions and festivities can easily lead to overspending or neglecting long-term goals. That’s why it’s essential for OFWs to come home not just with gifts, but with a clear financial strategy. Here are some money management tips to ensure your homecoming is memorable and financially secure.

 

1. Set a “Homecoming Budget”.

The biggest mistake is operating without a plan. Before you purchase your plane ticket to go home, set a realistic budget for your entire stay. A well-planned budget acts as a financial compass, as it allows you to enjoy the season without the stress of overspending or dipping into funds meant for future goals.

 

List down everything you will need to spend on, including pasalubong, reunions dinners, family trips, aguinaldo for nephews and nieces, and even unexpected requests. More importantly, it should not eat into your regular allocations for savings, investments, and emergency funds.

 

When thinking of your pasalubong for your loved ones, it is important to remember that the value of a gift lies in the thought behind it, not the price tag. OFWs often feel pressured to bring home luxury items or expensive gadgets, but practical and more affordable gifts such as useful household items can be just as appreciated.

 

2. Manage expectations with love.

There is a common notion that OFWs have unlimited funds, and as such, relatives and friends tend to expect them to spend during gatherings or borrow from them for certain needs. This is why setting financial boundaries is important. It’s a delicate and sensitive conversation, but it’s also an act of responsible love.

 

Begin this conversation by communicating your goals. Explain that work is being done towards an important long-term goal, such as starting a family or buying a home. This helps relatives and friends understand that money is allocated for the family’s future, not just current wants.

 

It is also acceptable to politely decline loan requests, especially those that are not for critical emergencies. Should you opt to lend, anticipate the possibility that they may not pay you back and consider how it can affect your own expenses and future goals. 

 

3. Have a family financial planning session.

Use your time at home to have a discussion with your family on financial goals. Whether you are saving for a house, a child’s education, retirement, or your plan to come home for good, open communication is key.

 

To make the session more productive, consider inviting a Sun Life financial advisor to guide the conversation. Advisors can help assess your current financial standing, clarify insurance needs, and recommend suitable investment options. Their expertise can also help family members understand the importance of financial planning.

 

To keep the session engaging, especially for the younger family members, your advisor can incorporate Sun Life’s original board game, Play for Life: A Game of Choices. There is a version developed specifically for OFWs and their families to have a fun and educational way to learn about financial literacy and spark meaningful conversations.

 

As you enjoy your homecoming, don’t forget to mind your well-being too. Being an OFW, protecting all your hard work also means securing your health because this is directly tied to your and your family’s financial security. This is why Sun Life Philippines created Sun Life OFW Health Protect, the first insurance solution made of Overseas Filipinos, which offers comprehensive life and health protection tailored to your evolving needs. This solution provides coverage up to age 100, access to 24/7 teleconsultations with Filipino doctors, and flexible payment terms depending on the contract duration.

 

While you’re in the Philippines, this may be a good time to talk to a Sun Life advisor to ask about Sun Life OFW Health Protect, so you can give yourself the ultimate pasalubong: the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your future is protected against unexpected health crises.

 

Homecoming season is a beautiful time in every OFW’s journey. It is a time to celebrate, reconnect, and reflect. By budgeting wisely and planning with your family, you can turn your homecoming into a powerful step forward, not just for yourself but for the people you love. Your hard work deserves nothing less than a brighter, healthier future.

 

To know more about how Sun Life helps overseas Filipino workers come home for good, visit www.sunlife.co/HomeForGood.

Coca-Cola Philippines’ iSTAR Program Powers Family-Owned Carinderia’s Rise in Cebu

Cebu, Philippines, September 11, 2025–  Coca-Cola Philippines continues to support Filipino micro-entrepreneurs through its entrepreneurship training programs, helping small businesses gain the right tools, knowledge, and confidence to grow and sustain their livelihoods. 

 

Among the inspiring stories is that of Juniel and Salome Lucero, a couple from Pinamungahan, Cebu who turned a small food venture into a sustainable family enterprise. Their business journey — guided by passion, persistence, and the right training provided by the iSTAR (Innovative Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resource) Program, a joint initiative of Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA, where they gained essential skills in financial literacy, inventory management, and basic operations. 

 

From online orders to a growing enterprise 

Juniel, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW), made a bold leap into the food business in hopes of turning his vision for success and Salome’s love for cooking into a reliable source of income for their family. Together, the Luceros opened Nicolai’s Cuisine in 2018.  

 

When the pandemic hit, Juniel returned to the Philippines, and the couple found themselves seeking new ways to support their family. They changed their business approach and started selling packed lunches online, where they built a network of loyal customers. Today, Nicolai’s Cuisine has expanded to three staff members, offers catering services, sells lechon belly packages, and even runs a small trading sideline for plastic and paper packaging. Their clients now come from different parts of Cebu, far beyond their barangay. 

 

Training that turned challenges into opportunities 

 

Their journey to success is not without its challenges. It was riddled with difficulties, especially during the first year of running Nicolai’s Cuisine. Sales were unpredictable, their location had little foot traffic, and they lacked a system for managing operations.  

 

Mahina, matumal ‘yong business, ‘di mo masabi. Madaming losses. Hindi maganda ‘yong pwesto. Sa sobrang daming problema, [kaunti] na lang ‘yong dishes,” the couple said. 

 

(Business was weak, slow, you just can’t tell. There were a lot of losses. The location wasn’t ideal. With so many problems, we could only offer a few dishes.) 

Their turning point came in 2019 when Juniel completed the STAR Program (Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources). As the foundation of what would later become the digital iSTAR Program, STAR helped them gain essential skills in financial literacy, inventory management, and basic operations. 

In July 2024, they took their learning further by joining the iSTAR Training Program via Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative. There, they learned product costing, digital payments, online marketing, and customer engagement—skills they immediately applied by setting up online group chats with nearby schools and cooperatives for streamlined orders and mobile payments. 

“Napakalakas ng benta ng online talaga. Nasa bukid kami, so ginamit ‘yon (online channels) to reach more customers,” Juniel and Salome said. “Nung nasimulan namin ‘yong online, napaisip kami, ‘Bakit ngayon lang?’ [Pero hindi] pa huli ang lahat.” 

 

(Online sales are really strong. We live on a farm, so we used that (online channels) to reach more customers. When we started selling online, we thought ‘Why just now?’ But it’s not too late.) 

 

With their improved business strategy, the Luceros grew their monthly income from ₱30,000 to ₱50,000, allowing them to provide better opportunities for their children. Their business is now registered with the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS), giving them access to orders from local government units. 

 

Their efforts also earned them recognition, receiving the Top One Most Impactful and Inspiring Award under the iSTAR: HERStories program—an iSTAR initiative that highlights inspiring entrepreneurs who applied their training to grow their businesses. 

 

Empowering more entrepreneurs  

The Luceros’ success story highlights how Coca-Cola Philippines’ entrepreneurship programs help small business owners build sustainable livelihoods. Their journey reflects the potential of countless Filipino micro-entrepreneurs when given the right tools, support systems, and mindset. 

 

“[Kapag] willing kang matuto, libre naman [at] worth it naman. Grab the opportunities na darating sa’yo,” the Luceros said, encouraging others to have confidence and pursue their dreams of building a business. 

 

(If you’re willing to learn, it’s free and it’s worth it. Grab the opportunities that will come your way.) 

 

Juniel added that completing the courses on iSTAR provided a major boost in growing their business, “Ang kagandahan [dito ay] iSTAR na talaga ang lumapit sa pamamagitan ng LMPC. Kaya sobrang nagpapasalamat kami sa mga opportunity na ino-offer ng iSTAR dito sa amin.”” 

 

(The good thing here is that iSTAR approached us through LMPC. That’s why we are thankful for the opportunities that iSTAR continues to provide.) 

 

iSTAR builds on the legacy of the STAR Program, which was launched in 2012 under Coca-Cola’s global 5by20 initiative and empowered around 250,000 MSMEs through business training and support. In 2020, the program evolved into iSTAR to continue equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and tools needed to start and grow their businesses in today’s digital economy. In 2024, it was further strengthened with the launch of Centers for Entrepreneurship (CFEs) in seven key areas, offering training, mentorship, and financial support to help small businesses thrive. To date, iSTAR has produced over 300,000 graduates. 

 

For more information about the iSTAR Program, visit the Coca‑Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub at https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.

SendWave, GCash Strengthen Global Partnership to Simplify Remittances for OFWs

Sending money home is more than just a transaction for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)—it is a vital connection to their loved ones and a means of ensuring the financial stability of their families. Recognizing this need, GCash and SendWave have expanded their partnership to provide a faster, more secure, and accessible remittance solution for Filipinos abroad. This 2025, the partnership introduces new cash-in features, expanded services to more countries, and enhanced financial accessibility for overseas Filipinos worldwide.

 

As an official partner of GCash, Filipinos overseas can now use SendWave to remit directly to a Philippine mobile number (+63), ensuring their families receive financial support instantly. Additionally, SendWave now enables Filipinos abroad to cash in to their own GCash Overseas accounts using their US, UK, or Canada mobile numbers, making digital finance more accessible from virtually anywhere.

 

SendWave has established a strong presence in multiple remittance corridors worldwide, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, and Germany.

 

Back at home, GCash users can conveniently access funds through 339,000 cash-in and cash-out outlets across the Philippines. The GCash app also provides users with access to a savings account, investment options, and financial management tools to help them grow and manage their wealth, all within a single platform.

 

GCash International general manager, Paul Albano, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that the collaboration bridges financial gaps for Filipinos worldwide. “This partnership between SendWave and GCash gives OFWs the ability to send fast, secure, and hassle-free remittances to their families in the Philippines. It strengthens connections between Filipinos abroad and their loved ones, ensuring their financial needs are met efficiently. For us in GCash, it’s not just about transferring money; it’s about providing a comprehensive financial ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of Filipinos, wherever they are,” Albano said.

 

With financial technology reshaping the way people manage their money across borders, GCash and SendWave stand at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that every Filipino—no matter where they are in the world—has access to a secure, efficient, and modern financial solution.

 

To experience seamless, digital-first remittance services, Overseas Filipinos can now download the GCash app and the SendWave app, or visit GCash’s official website at https://new.gcash.com/ to learn more.

 

TinBo Brings Home to Hong Kong: A Celebration of Freedom and Filipino Pride at HK Fest 2025

For four vibrant days, Hong Kong felt like home for thousands of Filipinos living and working there. HK Fest 2025 was more than a celebration—it was a tribute to the strength, heart, and unity of the Filipino community abroad.

From June 12 to 15, PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), through its one-stop online marketplace Tindahan ni Bossing (TinBo), together with partners MQuest Ventures and Philippine Airlines, led the celebration of Philippine Independence Day with a series of events that brought the best of Filipino culture, cinema, and entertainment to the city. It was a reminder that no matter how far Filipinos are from the Philippines, home is always within reach.

 

“HK Fest is our way of honoring every Filipino in Hong Kong,” said Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO at PLDT Global. “We’re grateful to our partners and the community for making this possible. TinBo is proud to be part of your journey. This celebration is also a tribute to the strength and resilience of overseas Filipinos—their ultimate sacrifice to care for their families and secure a better future is nothing short of heroic.

On June 12, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong hosted a National Day Reception for overseas Filipinos and guests. Consul-General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., Mrs. Catherine Joy P. Israel, and the honorable Secretary for Justice of Hong Kong Paul Lam were in attendance. The crowd was serenaded by Filipino musicians based in Hong Kong, and Asia's Diamond Soul Siren Nina. 

 

Overseas Filipinos have fun at the TinBo booth during the Makabayan Film Fest in Hong Ko

Fans in Hong Kong got to meet stars like Enchong Dee, Sid Lucero, Sue Ramirez, and Cedrick Juan in intimate conversations hosted by Ana Ramsey.

 

On June 14, the spotlight turned to the Philippine Association in Hong Kong Charity Ball held at The Ritz-Carlton. The evening honored Filipino excellence, including a special tribute to business leader and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan for his contributions to nation-building and support for overseas Filipinos. The night sparkled with performances from Randy Santiago, K Brosas, Donita Nose, Nina, and Richard Poon.

 

The celebration peaked on June 15 at Chater Road with Saludo 2025 -- a whole day event that featured the best of Philippine talents, from Filipino Communities in Hong Kong representing the different regions in the Philippines to the exciting performances by celebrities. Senator Raffy Tulfo joined the crowd, and the cast of Eat Bulaga—led by Bossing Vic Sotto—brought joy and laughter to the stage. The event also marked the official launch of TinBo’s newest campaign, Alagang Bossing, featuring Vic Sotto, which celebrates the everyday heroism of overseas Filipinos. TinBo also awarded a loyal ePadala user in Hong Kong with the Alagang ePadala certificate and P100,000. Winners from New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Australia were also announced during the event. Another lucky TinBo user in attendance won P100,000 on the spot during the raffle draw.    

TinBo is a one-stop digital platform that empowers overseas Filipinos abroad to support their families in the Philippines. From bills payment and mobile load to healthcare, insurance, and e-gift vouchers TinBo makes caring across borders simple and meaningful. Filipinos abroad can download the TinBo app via Google Play or the App Store, or visit www.tinbo.ph to start sharing the love with their families in the Philippines.

HK Fest 2025 was a celebration of freedom, family, and Filipino pride. And through it all, TinBo stood by every kababayan—proving that distance can never break the bond of home

10% OFF Every First Tuesday! Celebrate Kabayan Day at SM Malls with BDO Remit

Great news for Filipino families with overseas workers! BDO Remit, the trusted remittance service of BDO Unibank, partners with SM to launch “Kabayan Day,” an exclusive year-round treat happening every first Tuesday of the month.

Kabayan Day is more than just discounts. It's a way to say thank you to our hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Enjoy up to 10% off at participating SM affiliates nationwide, including: SM Store, SM Appliance, SM Cinema, SM Skating, SM Bowling, SM Game Park, Sports Central, Toy Kingdom, Baby Company, Watsons, Miniso, Surplus, and Ace Hardware.

This initiative reflects the commitment of both BDO Remit and SM to empower and honor Filipinos. It goes beyond remittance services, creating a dedicated day to show appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of OFWs.

Ready to celebrate Kabayan Day? Visit your nearest SM branch on the first Tuesday of the month and don't forget to bring your BDO Kabayan Savings ATM card, Passbook, or a validated remittance payment slip to avail the discounts.

For more details, you can visit http://www.bdo.com.ph or follow the BDO Kabayan Facebook page.

DTI: Stay Vigilant Against Holiday Scams for Balikbayan Box Transactions

The Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) reminds the public to be vigilant especially the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) when sending their balikbayan boxes this coming holiday season as influx of shipments is expected.

The FTEB implements the accreditation of seafreight forwarders (SFF) as part of its mandate to protect consumers from fly-by-night or unaccredited companies and entities.   

  

As of November 2023, the DTI-FTEB has issued 736 SFF accreditation of which 153 are engaged in Balikbayan box shipments.  

 

From 2018 to December 2023, the DTI-FTEB received and mediated a total of 520 complaints involving undelivered Balikbayan boxes. The following should serve as tips to the public when dealing with sea freight forwarders:  

 

• Check the list of Foreign Freight Forwarders and their DTI-accredited Philippine counterparts/agent from the DTI website to validate information:
  https://www.dti.gov.ph/consumers/accredited-seafreight-forwarders.  fairtrade@dti.gov.ph  
• Take note of the items not allowed to be sent through balikbayan boxes (e.g., currencies, checks, jewelries, firearms, ammunitions and explosives, etc.)  
• Declare all the contents of your balikbayan box per item and its corresponding value in the packing list.  
• Secure shipping documents such as official receipt, cargo receipt, invoice, Bill of Lading, shippers’ declaration or waybill.  
• Get the name and contact details of the foreign consolidator’s Philippine counterpart or agent-freight forwarder which should be accredited by the DTI.   
• Beware of exceptionally very low rates.  
• Beware of people posing as representatives of consolidators in your place. Ask for proper identification, check with the consolidators if they are an employee or authorized to represent the said companies.  
• Monitor the movement of your cargo from origin to destination.   
• Ask the consolidators on how to procure insurance for your cargoes.  
• Inform your consignee to check your cargo with the Philippine agent even before it arrives.  

DTI-FTEB Director Fhillip D. Sawali reminds the public to transact with accredited SFFs, especially during the holiday season as their legitimacy can be verified.    

Freight fowarders and firms found to be in violation of existing policies on balikbayan boxes shall be penalized such as imposition of administrative fines, issuance of cease orders, or suspension of cancellation of accreditation pursuant to applicable DTI rules.  

 

To ensure the delivery of balikbayan boxes, the DTI reminds the public to frequently visit the following sites:  

1. https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/accredited-seafreight-forwarders/ (list of accredited seafreight forwarders and their Foreign Agents sending Balikbayan Box) to get the contact information of Philippine agent-forwarder that should deliver the cargo.  
2. https://parceltracking.customs.gov.ph/kiosk.php (Bureau of Customs Parcel and Balikbayan Box Tracking System).  The BOC may be reached through BOCCares@customs.gov.ph for inquiries if the shipments are not yet cleared for delivery from BOC.  

DTI also encourages the consumers to report any unlawful acts and/or violations in relation to sea freight forwarding services. Complainants within the National Capital Region may file a complaint supported with documents, such as official receipts, cargo receipts, shippers’ declaration, house bills of lading, or waybills with the DTI-FTEB. Consumer complaints may also be sent through  consumercare@dti.gov.ph email or by calling the consumer care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384).

UN: Gender-Responsive Migration Policies and Governance Essential for Safe and Fair Opportunities for Women and OFWs

Manila, Philippines – Facing challenges such as discrimination, violence, labour exploitation, lack of access to decent work, and major social and economic disruptions in the country and globally, Filipino women and migrant workers are finding stronger partners and strategic opportunities through the Safe and Fair (SAF) programme’s initiatives aimed at creating gender-responsive migration policies, governance and safer labor migration conditions from recruitment, to working abroad and until return and reintegration.

The SAF programme is a regional initiative under the multi-year European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative which has invested EUR 500 million in projects throughout the globe to eliminate violence against women and girls. It is implemented through the joint efforts of the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Women, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – dedicated to enhancing the labor migration experience for Filipino women.

“Throughout its 5-year implementation, ‘Safe and Fair’ embodies a commitment to transforming the migration journey into a safer, more dignified, and empowering experience for Filipino women," said Rex Varona, National Project Coordinator of the Safe and Fair Programme.

Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines added, “The EU is proud to have joined forces with the UN in a pioneer effort to combat violence against women and girls globally through the Spotlight Initiative. Women OFWs are particularly vulnerable to a series of risks and the EU-UN Safe and Fair programme was designed to address many of those risks.”.

The programme conducted legal and policy reforms, capacity building, and awareness-raising to respond to the critical issues faced by migrant women such as violence and discrimination, inefficient migration governance, and inaccessible services. Varona added that “by placing women’s voice, choice, and agency at the heart of our strategies, activities, and services, we are setting a new standard for labour migration.”

For instance, the programme contributed inputs to at least 16 key policy instruments to enhance the gender-responsiveness of labour migration governance in the Philippines, particularly the crafting of the law as well as the implementing rules of Republic Act (RA) No. 11641 in 2021 that created the Department of Migrant Workers, and RA No. 11299 of 2019 which created the office of the social welfare attaches. It also supported unions and relevant stakeholders in enacting ordinances in various LGUs to create or strengthen migrant worker resource centers (MRCs) and migration programmes or committees at the local level, and reviewing various laws including RA No. 10361 ("Batas Kasambahay"), expanded anti-trafficking law, expansion of mandatory insurance for OFWs, among others.

According to Lenlen Mesina, Country Coordinator of UN Women, the 5-year programme has been supporting and promoting women migrant’s safe and fair migration in the context of transitions facing and recovering from the pandemic, administration leadership, and the disasters on a constant basis. “UN Women is very pleased to see how policies at global to national level have been adapted and localized, but the completion of this project is something we also hope to sustain when it comes to key actions and promoting consistent implementation of policies and provision of important services needed by women anywhere, they are,” she added.

Since 2019, SAF worked in partnership with the Technical Working Group on C190, as well as the key government departments and tripartite partners in advocating for the ratification of ILO Convention 190, the first international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment. The Senate recently concurred with the ratification of C190 after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s endorsement– making the Philippines the first country in Asia to ratify C190. “This is an important milestone for women and Filipino migrant workers. The C190’s policies will cover any physical, social, emotional, verbal, and even online harassment, and as long as it constitutes any form of violence in the workplace, regardless of your worker status,” Varona shared.

A total of 2,540 women from 4,330 duty bearers improved their delivery of psychosocial, legal, health, or social services, skills development, and reintegration support, among other gender-responsive initiatives, which benefitted 6,403 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, 4,388 of whom were women. Almost a thousand OFWs including those displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic or their family members (almost 800 are women), have been assisted with technical-vocational scholarships enabling them to earn national skills certification from TESDA.

The migrant resource centers in Negros Occidental and Tabaco City also provided safe migration services to 1,443 women migrant workers. In addition, the Quezon City MRC has assisted more than 1,043 cases up to November 2023.

Carina Cordero, a former migrant worker in Dubai who experienced sexual assault, attested to the responsive and quality services the program could provide when she won a case against her assailant. Upon returning to the Philippines, she dedicated her time to supporting women who experienced violence as an active member of the Center for Migrant Advocacy.

Filipino migrant workers and their families shared their stories in a culmination event in Novotel, Quezon City, where SAF also shared the lessons learned from its implementation with partners from the public and private sectors. The event closed with a cultural show entitled: “Tayo ang Tagahabi ng Buhay Natin” (We are the Weavers of our Lives) with performances from SENTRO Youth, Talisay City OFW federations, Kabaitan Bautista, Women of Theater, Cooky Chua, and the PETA Choir.

The UN continues to work with different sectors to ensure that women’s needs, whether they are working overseas or in the country, are addressed based on their rights.

Overseas Filipino Workers Receive Farming and Tech Grants from ACC, in Collaboration with PLDT Global and PSF

The recently concluded ACC 2023 convention has gone beyond thought leadership and business networking. With the support of international and local delegates and partners, together with PLDT Global Corporation and the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), ACC gave back to the community that has been hosting them for almost two decades, by empowering overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in the Visayas.

“Many of our people have gone to work in other countries in hopes of providing a better future for their families, much like our Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who for many years also considered himself an OFW in Hong Kong. We at PSF would like to help our OFWs have a more sustainable future for their families by giving opportunities for upskilling and livelihood,” said PSF President Esther O. Santos at the turnover ceremony.

“Since our country experienced Typhoon Odette in 2021, we have been helping several farmers in Bohol to rehabilitate their cacao trees. In the process, we discovered cacao and its large market potential, so we would like to bring this training to more farming families nationwide,” she added.

Working in Qatar for over a decade, Elyn Abrasado plans to devote her time to her cacao farm when she retires in the Philippines in the future. For now, her mother, Yermalinda, manages their small land to augment their family’s income.

Elyn was one of the recipients from ACC, PLDT Global and PSF of cacao agricultural kit for 200 trees and certification training program that will upskill and enable them to use digital tools to improve their cacao farms.

“Thank you so much for choosing our family to receive cacao farming training. Thank you also for the 200 seedlings you are giving to us for our little farm, which we hope will be a source of income for me and my family in the future,” Elyn said.

Another recipient is Qatar-based OFW Raymond Aleria. Hailing from Bohol, Raymond and his family invested in a farm for their future. “My family and I wish to wholeheartedly thank the ACC, PLDT Global and PLDT-Smart Foundation who are spreading awareness about cacao farming training here in Qatar,” said the OFW of 12 years.

Another recipient is Johannie Apor, an accountant based in Qatar. “I wholeheartedly thank ACC, PLDT Global, and PSF for this wonderful initiative and for choosing me so that I can have an additional source of income. Thank you so much and hopefully you get to help more people.”

For PLDT Global President and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real, this event was just one of the many initiatives that they have in line to help uplift the lives of OFWs by equipping them with digital skills and agricultural input. “This program is just one of the many ways to fulfill our commitment to our OFWs. Our goal is to empower our OFWs – from the moment they decide to leave the country and work abroad, until they return home and reintegrate in our community.”

This program contributes to the PLDT Group’s thrust for digital inclusion and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG #9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

TRADE CHIEF COMMENDS OFWS-TURNED-ENTREPRENEURS, ACKNOWLEDGES CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PASAY CITY—Trade Secretary Fred Pascual together with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who thrived as entrepreneurs during the KABAYAN 2022: Go Negosyo’s 17th Anniversary Special held on 3 December 2022 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

“Investing our hard-earned money here in the country is good business. As businesses in the country grow, the effects spillover to our economy and people", Pascual said.

The KABAYAN 2022 aims to provide business opportunities and investment matches for the hard-earned resources of OFWs and their families. Further, the event awarded the Most Inspiring OFWs for their remarkable contributions to the Philippine economy. There were also business-related curated booths, money and market discussions, and general mentorship from successful OFWs-turned-entrepreneurs during the event.

DTI continues to promote inclusive growth and prosperity for our MSMEs through access to money, market, and mentorship. The Department also aids OFWs and their families through entrepreneurial trainings, business advisory services, business name registration assistance, and skills trainings and seminars, among others.

The Department currently implements projects and programs such as Helping the Economy to Recover Through OFW Enterprise Startups (HEROES) program and the Rise Up Multipurpose Loan, which provide loans to repatriated and returning OFWs, Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) and Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) that aim to boost the entrepreneurial capacity of Filipinos, and online Business Name Registration System Next Generation (BNRS Next Gen) and DTI chatbot TIA (Trade and Industry Assistant) that provide digital assistance to OFWs who are planning to start a business.

Further, the Trade Chief emphasized the critical role played by OFWs in contributing to the country’s economic growth and development even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the global economic downturn due to the pandemic, OFW remittances last year hit a record-breaking USD34.88 billion. This huge amount, together with the Filipinos’ madiskarte entrepreneurial spirit, tell us that our OFWs and their families can grow earnings beyond their monthly paycheck—that is, invest and make things happen in the Philippines", the Trade Chief added.

Also gracing the event were Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan V. Ople and representatives from various business chambers.